I wanted to pose a question to all of you

[Gelliebeans]

anybody have a rough estimate of how many atheists/agnostic there are in the US? I have heard numbers as high as 8 million? Somebody have an idea?

I just can't get over how relieved I feel to be able to speak with other non-believers. We have really been a silenced minority. It seems that "any" religion is preferrable to none as far as most people are concerned so I like many have kept quiet all these years in public.

Luckily, my family never went to church when I was growing up but even though I believe that they have some spirituality. We can love one another and respect each others beliefs or non-beliefs without too much drama.

[drhilarius]

1. Well here's an interesting figure...

Christianity: 2 billion

Islam: 1.3 billion

Hinduism: 900 million

Secular/Nonreligious/Agnostic/Atheist: 850 million

check out this link

<http://www.atheistempire.com/reference/stats/main.html>

You're not alone.

[Gelliebeans]

2. thanks for link

I am off to educate myself. :hi:

[hyperium]

3. great site

some very interesting info there

[leftofthedial]

4. thanks for the link

good site

[fshrink]

5. Where I live I might very well be the ONLY one...

Small town WY.

[immoderate]

6. the number I see most is 15%

Give or take 5%, and you've got a good estimate. This does not include a number that pretend to believe.

I think there is an unknowable number of non-believers who cannot manifest that though in any way. As a child, I told my grandmother I didn't believe in god. She said I should, "Never say that."

--IMM

[Kolesar]

7. The atheist PAC says 30-40 million

So your numbers sound good. They say their numbers compare well with those of the moral majority. Watch out, Ralph Reed. We're coming (and we are pissed).

[immoderate]

8. Our disadvantage is our live and let live philosophy.

Most atheists I know are not militant. We are not seeking out converts. While I am happy to share the "wisdom" I don't feel the need to change anyone's mind.

They are out to convert people and they make promises they can't keep to get them.

--IMM